Debt FAQ

Debt FAQ's

Q: Is the debt helpline open 24 hours?
A: No - and there's a very good reason for this. You will only ever speak to professional, fully trained Debt Counsellors who cover normal working hours. However, the debt helpline is open long enough for you to be able to find a time that best suits you. You can call free anytime between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm Monday to Friday, or 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday.

Q: Can I get debt help for all my sources of debt?
A: Yes. Whether your debts are from loans, credit cards, unpaid bills or other agreements, we can provide you with free advice on the best debt solution for you.

Q: Will I be asked lots of probing questions?
A: No - our friendly, understanding Debt Counsellors will only need to gain an overview of your total debt and earnings situation to be able to give you expert, impartial advice.

Q: What if I already owe money on lots of different credit cards?
A: You might still be able to consider an IVA as an effective and manageable way of clearing your debts. Call us to find out.

Q: Is the Debt Advice Trust confidential?
A: Absolutely. You can talk to us in total confidence about your situation. You can take our advice or ignore it, but nobody else will know.

Q: Why don't I just transfer all my credit cards onto one with a zero interest offer on transferred balances?
A: Absolutely. Just call us free on between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm Monday to Friday, or 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday.

Q: Why is your advice better than some others?
A: As a not for profit organisation, our advice is impartial. We'll listen carefully and then give you the facts so that you can make up your own mind about the best debt solution for you. And then we'll put you in touch with a provider from our Approved Panel so you know you'll be in good hands.

Q: Do I need to have full details of all my debts to hand when I call?
A: This would be preferable but by no means necessary when you first get in touch. As long as you know roughly how much you owe and to whom (i.e. credit cards, loans etc) we can still advise you about the debt solutions that would best answer your needs.

Q: Can I call the Debt Advice Trust as often as I like?
A: You can, but it won't be necessary. Our highly experienced debt counsellors should be able to ensure you are provided with all the advice and help you need from your very first call.

Q: What if my finances are in a real mess?
A: Don't worry, even if you can just give us an idea of what your debts are, we can still make sure you are given excellent advice.

Q: Who will I be speaking to when I call the Debt Advice Trust?
A: You'll speak directly and in confidence to one of our fully trained Debt Counsellors. He or she will be very understanding and knowledgeable so that you can talk freely about your individual situation.

Q: Will you also need to speak with my partner?
A: Not unless you want us to. We can still provide you with all the debt advice you need so that you can then discuss it with your partner or other family members who may be involved in your debts.

Q: Can I talk to the Debt Advice Trust about any debt problem?
A: Yes, whether it's to do with your credit cards, overdrafts, loans or anything else, we have extensive experience of helping people who have found themselves in similar situations to yourself.

Q: What if some of my UK debts are with organisations owned outside the UK?
A: This doesn't matter as long as your repayments are made from the UK. Talk to us about your situation and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to choose the right debt solution for you.

Q: What if my combined assets are still not enough to pay off all my debts?
A: Declaring personal bankruptcy will still clear all your debts and protect you from your creditors. Even so, it should only be seen as the very last resort.

Q: Does it matter how large or small my debts are?
A: No. We can provide you with advice about debt solutions to meet a range of different situations.

Q: Will I have to answer loads of questions or fill in a form?
A: No. The whole point about the Debt Advice Trust is that your first contact with us is a simple phone call with the minimum of fuss.

Q: What if my student debt is more than £15,000?
A: Don't panic, you won't be the first person we have dealt with who has found themselves in such a situation. An IVA could be one answer for you, but talk to us and we'll ensure you get all the expert advice you need to find the debt solution that best suits you.